A Comprehensive Framework to Optimize Short-Term Experiences in Global Health (STEGH)

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Medical Education
• International Development

Background:

• Short-term Experiences in Global Health (STEGH) are increasingly popular among medical trainees, involving participants from high-income countries in low- and middle-income settings.
• STEGH are offered by diverse entities, including academic institutions, non-profits, and private sector organizations, moving beyond historical faith-based missions.
• Growing concerns exist regarding the negative impacts of STEGH on host communities, including unaddressed local priorities, cultural incongruence, and resource diversion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the negative impacts of STEGH on host communities.
• To present a comprehensive framework for promoting greater responsibility in STEGH.
• To categorize interventions that can enhance the ethical and effective execution of STEGH.

Main Methods:

• Development of a micro-meso-macro framework to guide interventions.
• Proposal of incentives and disincentives at individual, program, and societal levels.
• Categorization of interventions to foster responsibility in STEGH.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework aims to promote responsible STEGH practices.
• Interventions are designed to be deployed across multiple levels (individual, program, societal).
• The framework seeks to minimize harm and optimize outcomes for host communities.

Conclusions:

• Implementing the micro-meso-macro framework can foster a more responsible approach to STEGH.
• A multi-level intervention strategy is crucial for enhancing the positive impact of global health experiences.
• The framework provides a structured approach to improve host community outcomes and capacity building.